Six Flags

So Six Flags was a nice day, overall. WE should have left an hour earlier than we did. As it was, the six-year old got a bit tired and cranky by day's end. But, I got to ride three coasters; TW and TK rode two of them with me. TK really loves the spinning rides (the Orbit, the teacups, and anything else that spins around until I'm ready to lose my lunch), but is a bit nervous about the larger coasters. I just can't do the spinning rides, but they don't bother TW. So, a couple of times during the day, we split up and the the girls ride in speedy circles while I coast down steep hills and through loops. Thus, I was able to ride my fave coaster ever - Raging Bull.

Raging Bull is actually a fairly peaceful coaster. OK, I'll admit it: the first drop scares me almost outta my pants. And that's good (both the scared part, and the almost part) But the rest of the ride is a fear free joyfest! Whereas most rides seem to be geared around providing maximum gees, Raging Bull instead provides moderate gees and frequent moments of free fall. Those moments of floating are what brings me the bliss. I guess I was meant to be an astronaut... except an "in one direction" astronaut, not one of those round and round guys (urp!).

Let me share one of my favorite amusement park tricks: bring a picnic lunch and a change of clothes. Eat a late breakfast before you hit the park. Between that, and a few snacks, you won't want lunch until the mid-afternoon. Then, when the day's heat peaks, go on a couple of water rides to cool off. Then, get a hand stamp, hit your car, change into dry clothes and have a nutritious lunch. I recommend sandwiches, grapes and juiceboxes. They can settle a queasy stomach (especially after all those pretzels with cheese that you had, fool!) Then, back to the park for more rides. Finish your day with a funnel cake... what the heck, you had a good lunch, get the cherries, too.